North Lakes residents are being invited to nominate the volunteers, mentors and community leaders whose work could earn them recognition in Moreton Bay’s 2027 Australia Day Awards.
Nominations are open until 31 October 2026 for Citizen of the Year and the Mayor’s Community Spirit Award. People can be recognised for years of community service or for an exceptional contribution made more recently.
Recognition starts close to home
North Lakes and its surrounding communities have produced a long list of people recognised for work ranging from food relief and education to wildlife care and community advocacy.
Mango Hill’s Laurence Christie received a Moreton Bay Community Spirit Award in 2023 after establishing the Mango Hill Progress Association and leading the organisation for 37 years. His work made him a longstanding community advocate as Mango Hill underwent substantial change.
A finalist rises to Citizen of the Year
The North Lakes awards program also provides a direct link to Moreton Bay’s current Citizen of the Year, Chris Paterson.
Paterson, founder of Bamboo Projects, was a Westfield North Lakes Local Heroes finalist in 2024. At the time, his organisation was reported to have removed 70 tonnes of marine debris from Moreton Bay while using outdoor and environmental programs to support people living with mental illness and disability. His finalist placing delivered a $5,000 grant for Bamboo Projects.
Two years later, Paterson was named the 2026 City of Moreton Bay Citizen of the Year. Bamboo Projects uses accessible boats in its waterway clean-ups while providing opportunities for people living with disability or mental health challenges. The organisation has since removed more than 80 tonnes of debris, while Paterson volunteers more than 30 hours each week mentoring community members.
Paterson described receiving the city-wide honour as a surreal moment and said the recognition acknowledged the work and volunteer hours behind the project.
Two awards cast a wide net
Citizen of the Year recognises outstanding achievement or contribution to the community. The recipient must be an Australian citizen living in the City of Moreton Bay.
The Mayor’s Community Spirit Award covers significant contributions through service, leadership or community involvement. Unlike Citizen of the Year, recipients do not need to be Australian citizens or City of Moreton Bay residents.
Nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards close on 31 October 2026 and can be submitted through the City of Moreton Bay Australia Day Awards page.
Published 29-Sept-2026
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